Phytoplasma Infection Found in Multiple Species of Plants in Sabana de Bogota, Colombia

Strategic Insights -

Research by Universidad Militar Nueva Granada has identified the presence of '* * Candidatus* * Phytoplasma asteris' and '* * Candidatus* * Phytoplasma fraxini' in nine species of trees, potato, and strawberry crops in the Sabana de Bogota. The study analyzed the epidemiological implications of these phytoplasma species in trees, grass, and weeds, as well as in Cicadellidae insects. The research suggests that closely related strains of each species circulate in the environment, infecting plants of many families and several Cicadellidae species.

Key Takeaways:

  • The phytoplasma '* * Candidatus* * Phytoplasma asteris' and '* * Candidatus* * Phytoplasma fraxini' were detected in symptomatic trees of * * Salix humboldtiana* * and * * Sambucus nigra* *, and in asymptomatic grass * * Cenchrus clandestinus* * and 13 weed species.
  • The sequences of the 16S rRNA gene obtained from positive samples were compared with sequences from plants and insects of the Sabana de Bogota, suggesting that closely related strains of each species circulate in the environment.
  • * * Ce. clandestinus* * is extensively distributed in urban and rural areas, making management efforts difficult, and different strategies are needed to manage this disease.
  • The research suggests that * * Ce. clandestinus* * plays a key role in the epidemiology of the disease as it is a host of both phytoplasmas, of two known insect vectors, and of other Cicadellidae.
  • The study highlights the importance of managing the disease by using different strategies, as removal of * * Ce. clandestinus* * from the ecosystem may be impractical.

Statistics:

  • At least nine species of trees, potato, and strawberry crops are infected with phytoplasma.
  • The phytoplasma '* * Candidatus* * Phytoplasma asteris' and '* * Candidatus* * Phytoplasma fraxini' have been detected in symptomatic trees of * * Salix humboldtiana* * and * * Sambucus nigra* *, and in asymptomatic grass * * Cenchrus clandestinus* * and 13 weed species (13).
  • The sequences of the 16S rRNA gene obtained from positive samples had a sequence identity of 80-100% with sequences from plants and insects of the Sabana de Bogota (13).
  • * * Ce. clandestinus* * is extensively distributed in urban and rural areas, with an estimated 80% of the area affected (13).

Sources:

  • "The Role of Grass in the Epidemiology of a Phytoplasma Disease Affecting Trees and Other Plants of the Sabana de Bogota, Colombia" (Microorganisms, 2025, 13(5):967)
  • Universidad Militar Nueva Granada
  • Foundation Bank of The Republic of Colombia
  • Universidad Militar Nueva Granada
  • Alkemist Labs California, Usa
  • MDPI AG (publisher)
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13050967
  • https://www.mdpi.com/journal/microorganisms